Senate Transportation Committee Kills Increase on "Gas Tax"

Air Date:02/09/2011

By Travis Berg
The Senate Transportation Committee killed a bill increasing the license plate, motor fuel user, and excise fees. It was amended to exempt bio diesel vehicles, and to decrease the fee on farm vehicles. Proponents say the measure is a necessity to maintain the already poor roads. Opponents say now is not the time to impose higher taxes.  Republican Senator Shantel Krebs of Renner supports the idea, but she says everything in life is about timing.

Krebs says, "But I think we're getting closer, and I think that's the realistic thought we need to have in the back of our mind. We're actually getting there. We're educating the public. They know there's a need out there. They know they actually have to pay for this, and it's going to come in the form of a user fee."

Republican Senator Mike Vehle of Mitchell sponsored the bill. He moved to kill the measure because he didn't think it would receive enough support on the floor. 

Click here to download this audio

Get the Flash Player to see this video.